Chubby Cattle, a Japanese yakiniku restaurant concept specializing in premium wagyu beef, appears to be landing in San Diego at 8330 Mira Mesa Boulevard.
If plans come to fruition, the new location would take over the former Red Lobster space and is expected to open later in 2026, according to SanDiegoVille. Although Whatnow has yet to confirm these details, Candice Woo, the Founding Editor of Eater San Diego and a freelance food writer, quietly notified the public on social media last year, when it was in the very early stages.
Founded in 2014 by David Zhao and Harby Yang under Chubby Group, Chubby Cattle has grown to operate multiple locations in the United States, including California, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Denver, and Duluth. The brand also runs other concepts, such as The X Pot and Niku X, and sources wagyu through a vertically integrated supply chain that includes domestic ranches and imports from Japan and Australia.
Chubby Cattle specializes in Japanese-style yakiniku, allowing diners to grill premium beef at the table while customizing flavors with accompaniments like pickled radish, garlic, and jalapeño. Locations feature open layouts, booths with tabletop grills, tech-forward ordering systems, and self-service stations with rice, sauces, and side dishes, combining buffet convenience with restaurant-style service. Typical meals last around 90 minutes, with tiered pricing ranging from $55 to $85 per person,n depending on the beef selection.
The Mira Mesa location will add a premium, interactive dining option to a corridor dense with Asian restaurants. The restaurant is expected to cater to both casual and special-occasion diners seeking a hands-on dining experience featuring high-end ingredients and unique offerings.
Chubby Cattle also offers an annual membership program, likened to a “Costco of wagyu,” with discounts, birthday rewards, and perks for members. This model reinforces the brand’s commitment to providing both value and exclusivity while encouraging repeat visits across its rapidly expanding locations.
